Chapter 47: And thus, the revolution was accomplished!

“...Our Deken Army has retreated?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Thanks to the efforts of Takeru and Juugi, the outcome of the war had been decided.

Defeated both by land and by sea, the Deken Army had no choice but to retreat.

“How could this happen?”

“General Agaron suffered serious injuries and fled. The navy also took over thirty percent losses in a crushing defeat, and we were unable to establish supply lines—”

“What kind of blunder would lead to a result like that!? What was Jalpha doing!?”

The Deken Emperor's furious roar echoed.

Faced with a loss this catastrophic despite overwhelming military advantage, he was left speechless.

“Prince Jalpha has retreated back to the homeland.”

“And after all that disgrace, he dares to come crawling back!?”

Upon hearing this report, the Deken Emperor was consumed with rage.

He unleashed a barrage of insults upon Prince Jalpha, calling him incompetent, a fool, and a coward.

“Such incompetence, such idiocy! Bring that wretch before me immediately!”

“As you command.”

“Entrusting him with the army was a mistake!”

With this, the Deken Emperor’s dream of unifying the world was effectively shattered.

Despite assembling such a massive force, they had achieved nothing.

No one knew how many years it would take to prepare for another invasion.

And it was unlikely that the aging emperor would even live to see it.

“Ahh, damn this old age... damn this failing body of mine!”

“Y-Your Majesty...”

“If I had led the army myself, there wouldn’t have been even a one-in-a-hundred chance of losing!!”

That was why his fury burned even deeper.

He had placed great hopes in Prince Jalpha as his heir, and now he unleashed every last insult upon him.

For his part, Prince Jalpha had already understood that with these results, retreat would not be forgiven.

If he was going to die anyway... he had even considered continuing the invasion.

“To think a fool who lost to the likes of Saripa could have been born as my son—”

But Prince Jalpha had chosen the greater good of the nation over his own self-preservation.

Even if it meant staining his name, he chose to bring home as many soldiers as he could.

“I will not stand for this. Bring him before me, and sever his head!!”

And so—he was sentenced to execution.

There are no “what ifs” in history. But those who came after could not help but sigh.

If only the Deken Emperor hadn’t whimsically decided to invade Saripa...

Such “what if” scenarios were impossible to ignore.

At the time, the Deken Empire truly stood as a hegemonic power.

Occupying over seventy percent of the continent, it was more advanced and powerful than any other nation.

Had events proceeded normally, world unification might have gone unchallenged.

After all, the “Kingdom of Saripa” had once been part of the Deken Empire.

Takeru, Juugi, even Berka—all of them might have had futures serving as Deken generals.

—If only the Deken Emperor hadn’t acted on a whim.

Soon, an age of bloody chaos and competing warlords would begin.

“The Deken savages have finally been defeated!”

“No way... The Deken Army actually lost...?”

The Deken Imperial Army had fled in disgrace without capturing even a single city in Saripa.

This shocking defeat spread across the globe—and was met with celebration.

That’s because the Deken Empire was widely despised as an aggressive invader.

“Doesn’t this mean the Deken Army is weakening!?”

“Alright, now’s the time to rise up!”

The reason everyone had submitted was because the Deken Empire had been too powerful to oppose.

But with a devastating loss to a minor power and clear signs of military decline, that foundation began to crumble.

“We can’t follow the Deken Empire any longer! We’re declaring independence!”

“The Deken Army is brittle now! We can win!”

Even a small nation could now resist a full-scale invasion from the Deken military—this was the new precedent.

Because of this example—

“People of the land, rise up! Now is the time for independence!”

Colonial subjects once conquered by the Deken Empire rose up across the map.

In total, no fewer than five territories declared independence, both large and small.

“Down with the Deken Empire!!”

Nations hostile to Deken, like Yaiban and Aigisland, remained alive and well.

Even the formerly subordinate Kingdom of Saripa had now turned into an enemy of Deken.

With just one battle, the Deken Empire lost everything.

...And from here, the gears of the age slowly began to turn astray.

“It hurts!! It hurts, Sister!!”

Despite the miraculous victory, the Kingdom of Saripa…

“Please stop silently grinding your knuckles into my scalp!! Something resembling Rishali juice is going to come out of my mouth!”

“…grind grind grind grind grind…”

“Owowowowowow!!”

Far from celebrating with a victory toast, I, along with Brother Sario, Brother Jikei, and Sister Lululu, had locked ourselves in the royal palace, heads in our hands.

“Lululu, that’s enough. It’s not like Rishali had any ill intent.”

“That doesn’t matter, Sario-nii!! When I saw the treasury was empty, I nearly had a heart attack!”

“I’m so terribly sorryyy!!”

Though we had driven back the Deken Imperial Army, the people of Saripa were exploding with joy.

It was hailed as a miraculous feat, with the citizens partying in the streets to celebrate the victory.

…However.

“We’ll figure out what to do with Rishali later, Sis. Her actions are so full of both merit and disaster, I honestly don’t know what to say.”

“It was a mistake, yes, but thanks to Rishali, you’re still alive, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, but still! Still!!”

We had no time to bask in victory.

If anything, we were drowning in urgent matters—so much so, we could barely sleep.

“Juugi’s invention helped protect the port town of Anat, didn’t it? Shouldn’t we praise him instead—”

“The problem is Juugi’s research, Sario-nii. If we leave it as it is, the economy’s going to tank.”

“…The economy? But the cost of building those warships should be considered a necessary expense.”

“Not the warships—the railway.”

Of course, postwar cleanup was important, but…

Apparently Juugi’s inventions had also opened a whole new set of problems.

“Juugi got Rishali’s approval and started laying railway tracks all over the place.”

“Oh my. Isn’t that a good thing?”

“If we don’t take any countermeasures, peddlers, coachmen, adventurer escorts, and transporters will all lose their jobs at once. Is that really okay?”

“…I’m very sorryyy.”

Once the railway network is completed, a vast number of jobs will disappear.

To prevent that, we’d need to facilitate job changes into roles like miners or railway staff.

But Juugi worked so fast that, at this rate, support efforts couldn’t keep up.

“Well, it’s not all on Rishali. I’m also at fault for underestimating just how extreme Juugi is.”

“Jikei-nii…”

“His research should’ve been tightly regulated by the state. I seriously underestimated what kind of man Juugi was.”

Even Brother Jikei hadn’t expected Juugi’s work to bear fruit this quickly.

Normally, when someone claims “we’ll see results within five years,” the best you’d get is a prototype by the end of that period.

Then it’d take another ten years to bring it into practical use and mass production, eventually leading to widespread adoption.

…But Juugi had already begun laying railway lines in less than a year. It was insane.

“Lululu-nee, would it be okay if I asked you to rein Juugi in from now on?”

“Eh, me?”

“We can’t leave it to Rishali, and I’m too busy. With your brain, you’re the best person for the job.”

“…W-well, I guess I have no choice! I am the only one fit for the job, after all! Very well, leave it to me!”

From that point on, Sister Lululu would be overseeing Juugi’s research.

When it came to academics and scientific matters, she was the best among us four siblings.

Frustrating as it was, she was a far better fit than someone like me who had already messed up.

“Then I guess we should go greet Juugi later.”

“I’ll come toooo!”

“Why?”

When I decided to visit Juugi to explain the situation, I got hit with an annoyed look.

Why though.

“More importantly, there’s still one thing we need to discuss.”

“…Yeah, you’re right, big bro.”

As we bantered like that, Brother Sario’s expression turned serious.

It looked like the conversation was about to get serious, so I straightened myself up.

“Until the king returns, I, Sario, will serve as acting King of Saripa. Are there any objections?”

Brother Sario made that declaration.

The king and Paulik still hadn’t returned to Saripa.

Someone had to act in the king’s stead.

“No objections. Sario-nii, you’re the only one for the job.”

“Yeah, there’s no one else it could be.”

“I support this!”

Not one of us raised a word of disagreement.

Accepting this declaration essentially meant settling the matter of the next royal successor right then and there.

I had feared it would stir up more conflict, but…

“Then I shall serve as regent in the king’s absence. I know I lack much—so lend me your strength.”

“Understood.”

Surprisingly, the relationship between Sario and Jikei—our two elder brothers—had improved significantly.

Jikei’s response to Sario’s announcement was calm and untroubled.

“Our immediate concern is that we’ll soon face shortages of magic tools, ores, and other goods that we previously imported from Deken.”

“Can’t we cover that by starting trade with Yaiban?”

“Establishing new trade routes will take time. Ideally, we’d continue dealing with Deken as before.”

“Then how about we reach out to Deken merchants individually and ask them to continue personal trade?”

With the cessation of trade from the Deken Empire, we were bracing for a shortage of many supplies.

We had been heavily dependent on imports from Deken: magic tools, ores, spices, clothing, crafted goods—you name it.

While our new ally Yaiban might be able to provide some of these, setting up functioning trade routes would take time.

If possible, we wanted to maintain private-level trade with Deken merchants even without formal diplomatic relations.

“We also need to begin negotiations for the king’s return, and expand the military in case of another invasion.”

“Do you think Deken will even agree to return the king?”

“We can’t trust them. It may be wiser to send in a special forces unit to secure him.”

Our father, the king, was still essential to Saripa. And Paulik, who was protecting him, was a key asset as well.

We had to bring them both back—no matter what.

“Jikei, where should we start?”

“Hmm… Sario-nii, I want you to handle military matters. Focus on strengthening the checkpoints and expanding our forces.”

“Understood. I’ll take care of it.”

Sario spoke with Jikei like it was the most natural thing in the world.

…They really had grown closer since the end of the war.

“I’ll work with Lululu-nee on building trade routes with Yaiban. I’ll speak with the Yaiban king myself—can I leave merchant negotiations to you?”

“Got it. I’ll go around and negotiate with Yaiban’s merchants.”

“Thanks. Let’s split up so we can move quickly.”

Brother Jikei already had deep political insight.

Brother Sario was a born military man. Sister Lululu was perfect for diplomatic negotiations.

With the four of us working together, I was sure we could handle whatever came our way.

“Brother Jikei, what about me? What should I do?”

“Charm a few Deken nobles into overlooking our trading and helping out.”

“Leave it to me! I’ll reach out and negotiate through my connections!”

I might be average in many ways, but if there was one thing I excelled at, it was social skills—and my face.

I’d built many ties over the years, and I’d make sure to use them to win over the Deken nobles.

“By the way, which Deken nobles were you planning to talk to?”

“All of them, of course. I’ve got ties with five houses nearby...”

“That’s literally all the neighboring Deken nobles.”

Well, obviously. Those are exactly the ones you should stay friendly with.

Most of the nobles adjacent to the Saripa border were people I was already on good terms with.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll handle it just fine. I’m counting on you, Rishali.”

“Leave it to me! I won’t let you down!”

With that, I threw out my chest and proudly declared it before my siblings.

And so, I set off to secretly negotiate with the neighboring Deken nobles.

There was no need for them to openly support Saripa, but I wanted them to at least overlook our trade.

I was confident I could work something out along those lines.

"It's been quite a while since we last saw Lord Seruzzo. I wonder how he's doing."

The first place I aimed for was Seruzzo's domain.

Seruzzo-san was a sinister-looking old man I was on good terms with.

According to Father the King, he’s a real scoundrel who’s into ambushes, assassinations—basically anything shady…

But he was also the most powerful Deken noble in the region, and it made the most sense to start negotiations there.

"…Princess Rishali. Something terrible has happened."

"Oh my, what is it?"

Seruzzo-san had always been kind to me, so I figured he’d help somehow.

That was the hope I held onto as I began drafting a letter addressed to Seruzzo-san.

"A massive rebellion has apparently broken out in Seruzzo’s territory."

"What!?"

A diplomat burst into my room, pale as a ghost.

"What about Uncle Seruzzo!?"

"Count Seruzzo has been captured, and the rebel forces have declared independence from Deken."

Unbelievably, the very domain I had intended to visit had declared independence.

And the one who had declared that independence was—

"Punish the arrogant Deken Empire! Freedom for us all!"

"We're not Deken's slaves!"

—The Seruzzo Domain, Deken Empire.

This land had originally been a small, independent kingdom—just like Saripa.

However, about thirty years ago, it was invaded by the Deken Empire, and its royal family was wiped out.

Since then, it had become a colony known as the “Seruzzo Domain,” governed by Count Seruzzo.

"Burn the villain Seruzzo’s mansion to the ground!"

"Take back our peace!"

Saripa had managed to remain semi-independent thanks to Father’s negotiations, but the Seruzzo Domain had been destroyed and absorbed.

With that kind of historical backdrop, the moment the Deken army suffered defeat, the people of Seruzzo rose up in revolt.

And the timing… could not have been worse.

"…Your Majesty, the people have become a violent mob. Please, stay close to me."

"I'm sorry, Paulik."

Thanks to Paulik’s protection, the king had fled from Deken and made his way to the outskirts of Saripa—right into the Seruzzo Domain.

And just as the royal party was passing through the region, the coup erupted.

"Dammit… of all times, it had to be now?"

"On the other hand, this confusion might be our chance to slip back into Saripa."

"Yes… true enough."

The royal group now had to move even more carefully to avoid being caught up in the chaos.

If they could just make it safely back into Saripa, they’d be secure again.

And so, Father disguised his identity and traveled discreetly, keeping to the shadows.

"Listen up, everyone!! The wicked Deken noble, Count Seruzzo—I've captured him myself!"

"YEEAAAAHHH!!"

However, just as the king’s party passed through the central city of the Seruzzo Domain…

…they witnessed an incredible scene unfolding in the main public square.

"Your Majesty, it seems Count Seruzzo has been taken."

"I see. Even that backstabbing-loving fiend couldn’t overcome the will of the people, huh."

What they saw was the very moment Count Seruzzo was about to be executed.

He had been bound and gagged—a fat man tied up and dragged onto the platform in the square for all to see.

"…Saving him would be… difficult."

"I know. Don’t interfere, Paulik."

"As you command."

Though the king frowned—having once shared some personal ties with Count Seruzzo—he made no move to help.

His priority was to get back home safely.

"From this moment forward, the Seruzzo Domain declares independence! We will no longer serve the Deken Empire!"

"That’s right! Down with Deken!"

"A new era begins today!"

The miserable Count Seruzzo trembled with fear, a sword held to his throat by the leader of the uprising.

Even for a Deken noble, it was hard not to feel sorry for him…

“…Wait.”

"But from now on, this land will rise as an independent nation! With new laws, a new monarch, and a new era!"

And when the king and Paulik saw who that 'leader' was—

—whatever pity they had for Seruzzo was instantly forgotten.

"The sun rises to the heavens! Behold the dawn that dispels the darkness!"

"Long live the queen!!"

Thus, I set out in secret negotiations with the neighboring Deken nobles.

There was no need to openly support Saripa—but at the very least, I hoped they’d overlook our trading.

I was confident I could steer the conversation that way.

"It's been a while since we last saw Lord Seruzzo. I wonder how he's doing."

The first place I intended to visit was the Seruzzo domain.

Lord Seruzzo was a shady-looking old man I had a good relationship with.

According to my dear father the king, the man was a true villain—capable of ambushes, assassinations, you name it…

But he was also the most powerful Deken noble in the area, so negotiating from there seemed the most strategic.

“…Lady Rishali. Something terrible has happened.”

“Oh my, what is it?”

Lord Seruzzo was kind to me. I believed he’d help us.

With that hope in mind, I had just begun writing a letter to him when—

“There’s been a large-scale rebellion in the Seruzzo domain.”

“What!?”

A diplomat burst into my room, face pale.

“What about Uncle Seruzzo!?”

“Count Seruzzo has been captured, and the rebels have declared independence from Deken.”

The very place I was about to head for—Seruzzo’s domain—had declared independence.

And the one who made that declaration was—

The king held his breath. Paulik's eyes widened.

Both were stunned by the blonde-haired woman pointing her sword at Count Seruzzo.

“Judgment from the heavens!!”

With a single swing of her blade, the leader executed the villainous noble.

Bathed in a spray of blood—both from the count and her own splashback—she was met with thunderous cheers from the people.

“Thus, the revolution is complete!”

“Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!”

“All hail the beautiful Queen Rashiria… banzai!!”

Then, the woman called "Rashiria"—the new queen—stood atop the platform in the plaza.

She raised her blood-drenched short sword high toward the sun.

“—A-a-a…”

“O people, chant the name of our great monarch three times!”

“Queen Rashiria! Queen Rashiria! Queen Rashiria!”

Paulik’s voiceless wail echoed through the air.

That queen… was the very same girl who had been kidnapped from the Saripa royal palace fifteen years ago—

“I hereby proclaim the founding of the Holy Kingdom of Rashiria!!”

She had the same eyes as Saripa’s true first princess, Rashiria Saripal.